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By Lukman Olabiyi
Chief Fanimokun, a retired super permanent secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service and influential figure in the administration of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, was recently conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Platinum Award by the University of Lagos Alumni Association, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to education, philanthropy, and national development.
The honour was bestowed during the association’s 55th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Dinner, a landmark event held to celebrate distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement of the university and society at large.
Though not an alumnus of the University of Lagos himself, Chief Fanimokun has been a steadfast supporter of the institution and its alumni association, driven by a passion for empowering youth and uplifting the standard of education in Nigeria.
“This award is an appreciation of what I’ve been doing for the university. I didn’t attend the University of Lagos, but I’ve been doing a lot to support the alumni association because the university continues to produce outstanding programmes and graduates for Nigeria. I consider it a duty to support them,” Chief Fanimokun said.
Fanimokun, a development expert, has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning several decades, including notable roles in urban planning and national development.
As life director of the Folawiyo Group, a leading conglomerate with interests in energy, shipping, and real estate, he has also used his platform to champion causes in education and social welfare.
He is the founder of DSE Foundation, a philanthropic organisation currently sponsoring the education of over a dozen underprivileged students, providing them access to quality schooling and mentorship.
For Chief Fanimokun, philanthropy is not just an act of giving, but a moral obligation driven by purpose.
“Education is the passport to the future. Education and sustainable development are inseparable. Any country that wants to advance must take education very seriously. If the government cannot offer free education at all levels, it should at least meet the United Nations benchmark of allocating 25% of the national budget to education. And where the government falls short, individuals must rally to support it,” he said.
Asked about how the current state of education compares to his time, Fanimokun acknowledged the vast changes and challenges of the present era.
“We are now in the digital age, artificial intelligence, the fourth industrial revolution. The government must keep pace with global development trends. Our policies and investments in education must reflect that shift, or Nigeria risks falling behind,” he said.
To fellow philanthropists, his message was both practical and philosophical: “Philanthropy depends on your orientation. It’s about using your excess wealth for something meaningful. Extra money is like manure , if it stays in one place, it becomes a nuisance. But when spread around, it fertilizes growth. Some may choose to support religion or sports, but what matters is that we all support the government to raise standards across every sector.”
Fanimokun’s award is not just a personal honour, but a celebration of a life dedicated to service, vision, and the belief that true wealth lies in making a lasting impact.
As Nigeria continues to face educational and developmental challenges, his example serves as a compelling call to action for leaders, philanthropists, and citizens alike.
Aside Fanimokun, other awardees include the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun; former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo; Chairman, Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh; Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Kola Adesina; Mrs. Folashade Okoya; Chairman, Premier Lotto Ltd., Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun; Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack; former governor of Gombe State and now Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge; and Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.
